Merton Event Almost Sold Out

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thomas Merton’s birth the monks of Holy Cross Abbey will hold a free lecture, conversation and reception on November 15th in the Retreat House chapel. This event-with extremely limited seating-is entitled “Monk as Marginal Person” and will include opening comments from Abbot Robert Barnes, an address of the same title by Fr. James Orthmann and a conversation with Father Maurice Flood who studied with Merton at Gethsemani.

Here is Father Maurice (left of Merton) and Br. Patrick Hart with Merton just before he left for Asia in 1968.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

2:30pm Comments by the Abbot and address by Fr. James on Monk as Marginal Person.

Followed by an informal conversation with Fr. Maurice specifically on Merton at Gethsemani and life there at that time moderated by Kurt Aschermann with a question and answer period

4:30pm +/- Reception in the Retreat House Chapel

5:30pm Solemn Vespers in the Abbey Church followed by Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament

The event is free and open to the public but seating is extremely limited. For information or to register please email:

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Comments

Disappointed to see that the event was sold out before I received the announcement. However, I’ll be there in spirit. As I viewed the below lised comments I’m wondering
why you sent out an invention to attend when it was sold out. I understand that this is a major source of the Holy Cross public relations but this mendacious announcement gave me the wrong impression that all were welcome to attend without conditions.

So blessed to have the celebration of Thomas Merton’s legacy and life available to us from the generosity of Fr. Maurice and all of the monks and participants of Holy Cross Abbey! I look forward to being there with a full heart of gratitude. Thank you.

I would very much appreciate a place at this lecture and would like to make a donation in support of the Monastery.I have been a member of the Friends of St. Benedict and the Center for Reconciliation at Washington Cathedral. I have also studied with Kurt Aschermann in the past. Please let me know how to proceed. Thanks. Elizabeth

Thank you for your willingness to explore the possibility of recording the event for later viewing! I’m sure that MANY people beyond me who aren’t able to attend will be delighted to view the recording at some point in the future.

I’m sure the International Thomas Merton Society would be happy to publicize the recording through their newsletter.

Tom unfortunately the event is ‘sold out.’. I have added you and Barbara to the waiting list and encourage you to check back as we get closer to see if there have been cancellations. So sorry not to be able to accommodate you.
Kurt

Dear Holy Cross, We would like to be put on the mailing list. I was waiting to hear from my husband at work before signing us up, and now of course you are full. We’ll call as the time approaches in hopes of finding space on the bench. Wishing blessings on all the monks, Dana and Guy Semmes

Nice to see so many who would have liked to attend. Might you steam this? I never really understood when this was being held. If this had already been held, perhaps the next time knowing you might get a bigger crowd, you may consider streaming whatever you are having…